The Health & Adults Scrutiny Sub-Committee met virtually to discuss the health and wellbeing strategy, the findings of the Black and Asian and Minority Ethnic Inequality Commission, and the integrated health and social care system. Key decisions included the agreement to take forward recommendations from the learning difficulties report and to explore ways to increase the visibility of Tower Hamlets Together (THT) meetings and agendas.

Learning Difficulties Report

The committee discussed a report on learning difficulties, which had been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and officer resource constraints. Councillor Gabriela Salva Macallan highlighted concerns about the report's action plan, noting that it often identified issues without outlining specific actions for improvement. She requested that the six-month review include updates on disability and autism awareness training, breast and bowel screening improvements, monitoring of psychotropic medication use, and progress on a learning disabilities recruitment site and the return of individuals living out of borough. The committee agreed that the recommendations would sit with the report, and that a more in-depth discussion on the level of support needed for individuals with learning difficulties, including mortality rates and screening, should be revisited within six months.

Health and Wellbeing Strategy

The committee received a presentation on the draft Health and Wellbeing Strategy, which aims to improve the health and wellbeing of local communities and address health inequalities. The strategy is based on principles of effective targeting, strengthened networks, equalities and anti-racism, improved communications, community-first approaches, and making the best use of existing assets. Key ambitions include developing safe social spaces, supporting a life course approach from children to older people, and integrating health and social care services. Councillor Andrew Wood raised concerns about the increasing levels of violence among young people and suggested a shift in focus from air quality to violence reduction. David Burbidge, a representative from Healthwatch Tower Hamlets, inquired about the funding of a new advice and learning centre, the inclusion of advocacy services, and the development of a comprehensive directory of services. He also suggested exploring a model for activity menus linked to advice and information directories to support day services. The committee agreed to feed back the importance of violence reduction into the consultation and to discuss the air quality agenda in relation to sustainability.

Black and Asian and Minority Ethnic Inequality Commission

The committee heard from Afazul Hoque and Councillor Sirajul Islam regarding the findings and recommendations of the Black and Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Inequality Commission. The Commission identified structural and institutional racism as significant barriers to health outcomes for BAME communities, exacerbated by issues such as digital exclusion, language barriers, and a lack of trust in health services. Key recommendations include making Tower Hamlets an anti-racist place through a pledge for organisations, improving data collection on ethnicity, lobbying for fair resource allocation, and co-designing services with community involvement. Councillor Mohammed Pappu raised concerns about the vagueness of some recommendations, particularly regarding representation in management roles and ensuring governance arrangements reflect the community. David Burbidge questioned how the Commission addressed the intersection of the levelling-up agenda and inequality, particularly concerning poverty and lack of opportunity. Councillor Shad Chowdhury highlighted the link between housing stock, particularly the need for three and four-bedroom houses, and health inequalities, asking if the report would explore this further. The committee noted that an action plan responding to the recommendations would be presented to Cabinet in July, with annual progress reports.

Integrated Health and Social Care System

Amy Gibbs, Chair of Tower Hamlets Together (THT), and Warwick Tomsett provided an overview of the integrated health and social care system. THT's mission is to transform health outcomes and tackle inequalities by joining up care across six partner organisations. They highlighted achievements such as the COVID-19 vaccination helpline, an integrated discharge hub, and wrap-around support for care homes. The committee raised questions about the visibility and public engagement with THT, the council's contribution to the £760 million system budget, and how overspends are managed. Councillor Gabriela Salva Macallan suggested making THT meetings more visible on the council's calendar and publishing agendas. Christopher Cotton, Director for Strategy and System Transformation for North East London CCG, explained the transition to a new North East London CCG and the forthcoming Integrated Care System (ICS). He outlined the statutory forums for the ICS, including the ICS Executive and the Health and Care Partnership, which will involve collaboration between NHS, local government, and voluntary organisations. David Burbidge questioned the timeline for the ICS development and the extent of patient engagement, particularly regarding cross-boundary treatment. The committee recommended reviewing the visibility of THT meetings, circulating Amy Gibbs' briefings to scrutiny committee members, and providing a breakdown of the council's funding contribution to the system. They also suggested developing a timeline for engagement with the ICS and providing councillors with information on the implications of the white paper.

Any Other Business

The committee noted that a document on Healthwatch and the commissioning of Healthwatch had been circulated, and members were asked to provide feedback offline. Clarification was sought on where this consultation feedback would be directed within the council. The committee will discuss the Healthwatch document at their next meeting.